California

Carbon Emissions

California and Connecticut prepare a 'attack' on Trump's repealing of US climate regulations

Attorneys General from California and Connecticut have announced a "multi-state plan of attack" to combat President Donald Trump's decision to repeal the federal climate regulation for'vehicles'. The Environmental Protection Agency rescinded last week the "endangerment findings" which said that greenhouse gas emissions from cars endanger the public's health. Trump called this "the biggest deregulatory measure in the history of the United States." Connecticut Attorney General William Tong stated in an interview that "we're going to take action" and described efforts to determine standing, claims, and other elements of the?suit. "We are putting together the best possible plan of action." The...








Energy Markets

Fossil Fuels

Refined Products

The Indian cooking fuel shortage is driving California's gas price up

There is a cooking gas shortage in India. Californian motorists pay $6 per gallon for gasoline. Both are symptoms of the biggest ever disruption in energy supply. The two are directly related and show the impact of the U.S./Israeli war on Iran. The near-closure of 'Strait of Hormuz by Iran has caused global oil trade to be in chaos, and cut importers off from?around a fifth of global oil supplies that crossed the waterway prior to the war. Oil buyers have been forced to burn down their stockpiles to deal with the global fuel shortage. The pain is being spread...

Oil Storage

California gasoline stock drops to record lows due to disruptions caused by Hormuz

Fuel prices are soaring across the country due to 'the war against Iran.' Analysts warn that California has not yet felt the full impact of supply disruptions caused by the closing of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the American Automobile Association, California motorists paid an average of $5.86 per gallon on Thursday, the highest price in the U.S. This is far higher than the national average of $4.09 per gallon. Analysts say that because California relies heavily on Asian refined products, the supply crunch will worsen. This means California is among the first states in the U.S. who are...

Crude Oil

California oil prices rise as Iran's war puts pressure on refiners

California fuel prices are even higher than the rest of the United States. Due to several factors, the fallout from the Iran war is expected to push pump price in California to $10 per gallon. Jet fuel prices have risen by 47% in two weeks. California is isolated from the rest of 'U.S. because of its mandated gasoline blend and lack of access to pipelines. The Strait of Hormuz closure has made it heavily dependent on Asian energy imports. The state has already seen the highest gasoline costs in America. And there's more to come. Energy economist Philip Verleger wrote...

Oil & Gas

US Justice Department blocks California's limits on oil drilling near schools and hospitals

The U.S. Justice Department announced on Wednesday that it filed a lawsuit to 'block' a California law which requires oil and gas drilling to be kept away from schools, homes and hospital by buffer zones greater than half a kilometer (1 km). The Justice Department has said that it will be seeking a preliminary injunction to stop the?enforcement of the law in the next few days. California Senate Bill 1137 prohibits the drilling of new oil and natural gas wells in a radius of 3,200 feet (975 metres) from community spaces. It also imposes stricter health and safety standards on...

Fossil Fuels

Exxon sues California over climate disclosure laws

Exxon Mobil filed a lawsuit against California on Friday challenging two state laws requiring large companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emission and climate-related risks. Exxon filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of California arguing that Senate Bills 261 and 253 violated its First Amendment rights because they force Exxon "to serve as a mouthpiece" for ideas it does not agree with. The company asked the court to stop the state of California enforcing these laws. Exxon claims that the Californian frameworks for reporting climate change are misleading and counterproductive. The oil giant claims...

Oil & Gas Refining

Exxon sues California over climate disclosure laws

Exxon Mobil filed a lawsuit against California on Friday challenging two state laws requiring large companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emission and climate-related risks. Exxon filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of California arguing that Senate Bills 261 and 253 violated its First Amendment rights because they force Exxon "to serve as a mouthpiece" for ideas it does not agree with. The company asked the court to stop the state of California enforcing these laws. Exxon claims that the Californian frameworks for reporting climate change are misleading and counterproductive. The oil giant claims...

Oil & Gas Refining

California Attorney General Bonta: More Trump and plastics lawsuits are coming, says Bonta

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Wednesday that his state will continue to sue Trump's administration for its aggressive deregulatory measures on environmental regulations. He also said he was looking into more lawsuits related to deception surrounding plastics recycling. Bonta said, "Every time they break the law, it hurts my state and my people. We will sue, we'll take them to court." "So far, that's been more than one per week." He said that "we definitely have more suits planned". California's strategy is to counteract the administration's rapid rollbacks in environmental policies and its push to expand fossil-fuels. In...

Fossil Fuels

California waives penalties for high profits from refineries

California's Energy Commission decided on Friday to set aside for a temporary period penalties for excessive refinery profits, which were adopted in response to the rise of gasoline prices over $8 per gallon by 2022. The delay of five years in implementing penalties comes at a time when Phillips 66 Los Angeles refinery prepares to start shutting down production next week, ahead of a complete closure. California's Democratic governor Gavin Newsom proposed the penalties but has now changed direction due to fears of price spikes after 2026 following the closure of a Phillips 66 plant and a Valero Energy Corp....

Oil & Gas

California imports Saudi Arabian gas for the first time since 2022

Data from oil analytics company Kpler revealed that fuel importers in California received gasoline from Saudi Arabia’s Jubail industrial port after maintenance at India's world's biggest refinery helped to open up the rare arbitrage. Kpler reports that three gasoline shipments, totaling 886,000 barrels, from Saudi Arabia's Jubail industrial port have been discharged at Southern California's Olympus terminals in the last few months. California hadn't imported fuel from Saudi Arabia since the year 2022. In 2025, about 40% of the gasoline imported by the terminal came from Jamnagar. This was because Jamnagar had a maintenance shutdown in April. Yui Torikata, Kpler's...

Fossil Fuels

Sources say Phillips 66 will begin laying off workers at its Los Angeles refinery in December.

Phillips 66 is expected to lay off most workers at its 139,000-barrel-per-day Los Angeles-area refinery in December, sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday. The company announced that it would shut down the facility in October and start winding down its operations in October 2025. Two months later, the company will start reducing its workforce. About 600 employees work at the Los Angeles facility, along with 300 contractors. The United Steelworkers Union represents over half of the hourly employees. Sources said that a few of the retained employees will be transferred to Phillips 66 Los Angeles Marine Oil Terminal....

Oil Refineries

EIA: California fuel prices are rising due to supply issues and compliance costs

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported on Monday that California drivers pay more at the pump due to issues with supply, environmental compliance, fuel requirements and high state taxes. The latest data shows that in March, environmental programs like Cap-and-Trade, Low Carbon Fuel Standard and Cap-and-Trade added $0.54 per gallon to the cost of gasoline. EIA reported that California consumers pay $0.90 per gallon, or the highest amount in the nation, in taxes and fees, as of March. Why it's important California is the biggest gasoline market in the United States, but many fuelmakers have closed less profitable stations citing...

Oil & Gas

US Supreme Court to revisit challenge to California emission standards

The U.S. Supreme Court appeared to be sympathetic to fuel producers' bid to challenge California's vehicle emission standards and electric cars in an air pollution case under federal law. This is a case that involves the Democratic-governed State's ability to combat greenhouse gases. The Justices heard arguments from a Valero Energy sub-division and groups representing the fuel industry in their appeal of a lower courts ruling that they did not have the legal standing required to challenge the 2022 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's decision to allow California to set its own rules, separate from the federal government. Both conservative and...

Electric Utilities

Electric Utilities

California investigates Trump administration's deal to cancel offshore Wind Lease

California's energy officials opened an investigation on Monday into the Trump Administration's agreement with an offshore wind company?to cancel a planned project?off its central coast. The state is seeking information on the $120 million government payment to determine if it violates the law. The recent strategy of President Donald Trump to undermine the nation's young offshore wind industry includes refunding offshore lease payments in exchange for fossil fuel investments. California Energy Commission has issued a subpoena to Golden State Wind LLC. This is a joint venture between Ocean Winds and London-based offshore investment firm Reventus Power. Ocean Winds is a...

Electric Utilities

Berkshire CEO Abel: 'We're back at first base'

Greg Abel, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, welcomed on Saturday a recent court ruling that could limit liability at its PacifiCorp Utility business. The company is defending against lawsuits related to wildfires in Oregon and northern California. Abel, speaking at Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholders meeting in Omaha Nebraska, said that the Oregon state court decision on April 8, stating that a major wildfire case cannot proceed as a mass action, relieves PacifiCorp of pressure as it attempts to convince regulators to allow it to charge enough for power. He said that the threat had been reduced. PacifiCorp is defending itself against...

Electric Utilities

Edison Utility wins shareholder lawsuit against LA wildfires

The parent company of Southern California Edison, which is based in Los Angeles, won the dismissal of a lawsuit that alleged 'it defrauded shareholders prior to wildfires in the Los Angeles area on January 2025 by claiming it had reduced the risk of loss from such catastrophes. Edison International was accused by shareholders of being "structurally incapable" to deal with extreme weather and implement the Public Safety Power Shutoff Program, which is a last resort measure to shut down powerlines when fire risk becomes too high. Shareholders also claimed Edison "falsely" promised that the program along with hardening electricity lines...

Environment

Climate Change

Climate Change

DOJ sues California for ending enforcement of emission standards for trucks

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Friday that it had sued California to stop the state from enforcing emissions standards for trucks. The DOJ announced that it had filed two lawsuits in federal court this week against the California Air Resources Board regarding the state's enforcement on preempted emission standards through the so-called Clean Truck Partnership with heavy-duty trucks and engine manufacturers. In a press release, the DOJ said that these actions "promote President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to ending the electric vehicle mandate, leveling the regulatory playing fields, and promoting consumer choice in motor cars." Four major truckmakers...

Climate Change

Vermont Governor suspends electric vehicle regulations

Vermont Governor Phil Scott suspended the state's requirements for electric vehicles sales in passenger cars, medium- and heavy-duty trucks and on Tuesday amid concerns over the feasibility of California's zero-emission rules. Vermont is among 11 states, including New York, Maryland, and Massachusetts, that have adopted California’s zero-emission vehicle rule, which aims to eliminate the sale of gasoline only vehicles by 2035. California's rule requires that 35% of the light-duty cars in 2026 be zero-emission vehicles. Scott cited automakers' warnings that the EV regulations could restrict the supply of gas-powered cars to dealers in the State. Scott said, "It is clear...

Pollution

The US House of Representatives votes to ban California's 2035 electric vehicle plan

The U.S House of Representatives has voted to block California's historic plan to stop the sale of only gasoline vehicles by 2035, which was adopted by 11 states. The House has backed legislation that will repeal the waiver granted by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under the former president Joe Biden, in December. This waiver allowed California to mandate 80% electric cars by 2035. Major automakers urged this action because the rules were not feasible. California claims the rules are necessary to reduce pollution, and that the vote was illegal. California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the program is crucial to...

Oil & Gas Refining

California Governor seeks assistance for struggling oil refiners

California Governor Gavin Newsom directed state officials in California to increase efforts to ensure reliable fuel supplies to the nation's largest auto market. This prompted oil companies to blame state policy for difficult business conditions, and high pump prices. Newsom's April 21 letter to California Energy Commission vice chair Siva Gunda was seen by us on Wednesday. This came just days after Valero Energy announced that it would permanently close or restructure the refinery in Benicia by April 2026. Benicia refinery represents about 9% state crude oil refining capability. Newsom wrote: "I am writing to ask you to intensify the...

Pollution

US House votes on Republican proposal to repeal California EV regulations

The U.S. House of Representatives will vote next week on the Republican plan to repeal Biden's approval of California’s landmark plan that would end the sale of only gasoline vehicles by 2035. The office of House Majority leader Steve Scalise said that on Wednesday, lawmakers would vote to repeal the waiver given by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in December to California allowing it to mandate at minimum 80% electric cars by 2035. These rules have also been adopted by 11 other states. The question remains as to whether Congress has the power to revoke the waiver under the Congressional...

Climate Change

What are atmospheric river and why do floods occur?

Atmospheric Rivers are storms that look like rivers in the skies. They can produce massive amounts of rainfall, cause flooding and mudslides, and even result in death and property damage. This article explains how they are formed, their size, and possible impacts. WHAT IS A ATMOSPHERIC RIVE? This weather system is present all over the globe. The weather system begins when tropical oceans are carried to land by a jetstream. As air rises it cools down and condenses resulting in snow or rain. According to NASA, they form most often in oceans at mid-latitudes, between 30 and 60 degrees north...

Climate Change

Billie Eilish, Woman Gaga on star-studded list for wildfire relief performances

Musicians Billie Eilish, Girl Gaga, Joni Mitchell and Jelly Roll will take the stage with other huge names at wildfire relief performances in Los Angeles this month, organizers stated on Thursday. Other acts for the fundraisers called FireAid consist of Green Day, Gracie Abrams, Katy Perry, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sting and Stevie Nicks. Dave Matthews and John Mayer will perform together for the first time. The programs are arranged for Jan. 30 at the Intuit Dome and the Kia Online Forum in Inglewood, simply beyond Los Angeles. They will be revealed reside in choose AMC Theatres and stream on...

Climate Change

Billie Eilish, Woman Gaga on star-studded list for wildfire relief performances

Musicians Billie Eilish, Girl Gaga, Joni Mitchell and Jelly Roll will take the stage with other big names at wildfire relief performances in Los Angeles this month, organizers said on Thursday. Other acts for the fundraisers called FireAid consist of Green Day, Gracie Abrams, Katy Perry, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sting and Stevie Nicks. Dave Matthews and John Mayer will carry out together for the very first time. The shows are scheduled for Jan. 30 at the Intuit Dome and the Kia Online Forum in Inglewood, California, simply beyond Los Angeles. They will be shown in select AMC Theatres and...

Climate Change

Wind gusts, humidity may evaluate firemens fighting Los Angeles blazes

The risk of effective wind gusts, integrated with bonedry humidity, in Los Angeles on Wednesday could evaluate firefighters who have been fighting to keep monstrous fires in Los Angeles in check since recently. Some 6.5 million individuals in the Los Angeles area were under a. critical fire risk as winds were anticipated to be 20 to 40 miles. ( 32-64 km) an hour with gusts as much as 70 miles per hour and humidity dropping. into the single digits, the National Weather condition Service said. The death toll from the fires rose by one on Tuesday to 25,. according to...

Climate Change

With tacos and toys, Angelenos rally to support neighbors after fires

Yuri Williams worn a red superhero costume and transported $2,000 worth of toys to a temporary Los Angelesarea donation center on Sunday, wanting to bring cheer to individuals displaced by this week's. devastating wildfires. A kid waved and shouted Hi there, Deadpool! to Williams as he. used them crayons, street chalk, board games and more. Teenagers approached and asked for selfies. Williams was among hundreds using aid at a contribution. center staged at the Santa Anita Park racetrack in Arcadia, a. city close to the Eaton Fire. People require a diversion, and I'm here to be the. diversion, Williams said,...

Climate Change

Los Angeles races to consist of wildfires as extreme winds return, 24 killed

Firemens raced to include the frontiers of two Los Angeles wildfires that burned for the sixth straight day on Sunday, making the most of a. short break in hazardous conditions previously high winds were. anticipated to fan the flames anew. At least 24 people have passed away in what California Governor. Gavin Newsom stated could be the most devastating natural disaster. in U.S. history, one that has actually ruined countless homes and. required 100,000 individuals to leave. Flames have actually decreased entire neighborhoods to smoldering ruins,. leveling the homes of the rich and well-known and normal folk. alike, and leaving...

Climate Change

Edison denies LA wildfire involvement as insurance providers ask it to preserve proof

Southern California Edison (SCE) said it had gotten notices from insurer to preserve proof associated to the Eaton Fire that is still burning in Los Angeles, but said no fire firms have pointed the energy's. connection to the fire. The group, an unit of U.S. utility Edison International. , said on Thursday its filing to regulators was activated. by online publications that relatively suggest the group's. equipment might have been associated with the fire's ignition. To date, no fire company has recommended that SCE's electric. centers were involved in the ignition or asked for the. elimination and retention of any...